IceCaps look to get back on track for new season

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The 2013-14 St. John’s IceCaps look to young guns and fresh veterans on and off the ice to return to winning ways after a disappointing 2012-2013 season.

Last year’s record of 32-36-3-5 was quite the change of pace from their inaugural season in 2011-2012 where the IceCaps went 43-25-4-3, placing 1st in the Atlantic division and 2nd in the Eastern Conference.

The off-season brought in many fresh faces and the departure of many familiar face:

The IceCaps picked up two 70-point scorers in Andrew Gordon and Jerome Samson to bulk up the scoring, where they placed just 21st in Goals-For last year with 295 goals. The IceCaps lost key members this off season in forwards Ray Sawada, Ben Maxwell, Aaron Gagnon, Maxime Macenauer, Jason Gregoire, and look to a core of young players to lead the scoring in the likes of Kael Mouillierat, Eric O’Dell, Carl Klingberg and Adam Lowry among others, along with veterans Jason Jaffray, Gordon and Samson.

The departures of veterans Derek Meech, Paul Postma, Dean Arsene, Travis Ramsey and Richard Petiot have left a huge void in the IceCaps blue line, where the IceCaps will turn to young players, especially AHL All-Star Zach Redmond and Will O’Neill, along with Cody Sol, Julian Melchiori and Ben Chiarot to fill the gap.

In net, Eddie Pasquale will hold look to continue to hold the number one position once again, with finnish-born rookie Jussi Olkinuora backing him up. In the third string spot will be 23 year-oldMichael Hutchinson, who went 13-13-3 with a .914 sv% and 2.30 GAA with the Providence Bruins last year.

Also in a new position with the IceCaps is the familiar face of Jason King. The former IceCaps player and Newfoundlander retired last year due to the effects of concussion problems after being limited to just nine games last year with the IceCaps.

With the mixture of great young talent and talented veteran leaders, the IceCaps will look to make a great comeback after a disappointing season. Look for them to place in the top two in the Atlantic Division and to make the playoffs.

Game 1 and Home Opener: Today, Friday October 4th at Mile One Centre vs. the Providence Bruins

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Charles Dart is a regular contributor at winnipegwhiteout.com and passionate 19 year old St. John's IceCaps season ticket holder who lives in St. John's.